Which of the following best defines active euthanasia?

Active euthanasia is defined as the intentional act of causing the death of a patient through specific means or methods. This definition is significant as it emphasizes the element of intentionality and the use of direct actions to end life, such as administering lethal substances. This contrasts with other choices, which focus more on passive forms of ending life or withholding treatment rather than taking direct action to cause death.

Withholding food, ceasing life support, and refusing ordinary treatment fall under the category of passive euthanasia, where no direct action is taken to end life, but rather life-sustaining measures are withdrawn or not initiated. Active euthanasia, on the other hand, directly involves interventions that lead to death, raising complex ethical considerations surrounding autonomy, consent, and the role of healthcare providers in end-of-life care. This clarity in defining active euthanasia is crucial for discussions surrounding ethics in medicine, patient rights, and moral philosophy.